Spontaneous pneumorrhachis in bronchial asthma

Acta Radiol. 2006 Sep;47(7):672-4. doi: 10.1080/02841850600797010.

Abstract

We report on an 18-year-old male with bronchial asthma who presented with swelling over the neck and upper chest after a mild episode of bronchospasm. Physical examination was suggestive of subcutaneous emphysema, which was subsequently confirmed on a radiograph. Computed tomography in addition revealed pneumomediastinum and air within the epidural space of the spinal canal. Although spontaneous pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema have been described in a variety of situations, including patients with asthma, spontaneous pneumorrhachis in asthmatics is a very rare entity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Asthma / complications*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mediastinal Emphysema / diagnostic imaging
  • Mediastinal Emphysema / etiology*
  • Radiography, Thoracic
  • Subcutaneous Emphysema / diagnostic imaging
  • Subcutaneous Emphysema / etiology*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed